# Shyonaka

> Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Bignoniaceae family. Not listed in WHO monographs; included in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; listed as threatened in many regions due to overexploitation.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz
- **Family:** Bignoniaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs; included in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; listed as threatened in many regions due to overexploitation

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Shyonaka |
| Latin/Botanical | *Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Baicalein](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#baicalein)
- [Chrysin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#chrysin)
- Oroxylin A
- Baicalein-7-O-diglucoside (Oroxylin B)
- [Scutellarein](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#scutellarein)
- Ellagic acid
- [Biochanin-A](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#biochanin-a)
- Tetuin
- Aloe-[emodin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#emodin)
- Gallic acid
- [Catechin](/reference/catechin/)
- Ferulic acid
- [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)
- [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin)

## How does it work?

- [Neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) mechanism through multi-target approach: inhibition of beta-amyloid aggregation, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and modulation of tau phosphorylation pathways
- Anti-inflammatory activity mediated by baicalein and chrysin through suppression of NF-kB pathway and inhibition of COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression
- [Anticancer](/reference/anticancer/) mechanism involving induction of apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway and inhibition of cell proliferation signaling cascades

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties confirmed through in vivo studies on both root bark and stem bark, validating classical use in Vataroga
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) activity validated through experimental models demonstrating restoration of liver [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes), supporting its traditional use in liver disorders
- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) spectrum confirmed against multiple pathogens, validating traditional topical applications for wound infections and skin diseases

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Summat R, Waiwut P, Daodee S and others 2025. [Phytomedicine Potential of Oroxylum indicum Root and Its Constituents: Targeting Alzheimer's Disease](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39861577/). *Plants (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [39861577](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39861577/) · [doi:10.3390/plants14020223](https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14020223)  
  Root extract and key constituents (baicalein, chrysin, oroxylin A) inhibited beta-amyloid aggregation and acetylcholinesterase activity, with potent [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) modulation of [proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins) implicated in amyloidogenesis and tau phosphorylation.
- Thrigulla SR, Singh G, Soni H and others 2024. [In-silico evaluation of Oroxylum indicum vent compounds in the plausible treatment and prevention of nasopharyngeal cancer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38805854/). *Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine*. PMID [38805854](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38805854/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2024.100986](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2024.100986)  
  Molecular docking studies identified promising compounds against nasopharyngeal carcinoma targets, including both Epstein-Barr virus and cancer cell proliferation pathways.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Generally regarded as safe at traditional Ayurvedic doses; used extensively as part of [Dashamoola](/herb/dashamoola/) for centuries with no documented serious adverse effects
- Preclinical toxicity data supports safety at therapeutic doses; baicalein and chrysin have favorable safety profiles in available studies, though human clinical trial data remains limited

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Baicalein
- Chrysin
- Scutellarein
- Biochanin-A
- Emodin
- Catechin
- Quercetin
- Apigenin

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Kwatha (decoction), Churna (powder), Capsule, Ghana vati (solid extract tablet), Taila (medicated oil), Asava/Arishta

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g bark powder per day; 50-100 mL kwatha twice daily; 500-1000 mg extract capsule twice daily; 15-30 mL arishta after meals

**Bioavailability:** Flavonoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) (baicalein, chrysin, oroxylin A) show moderate to good oral bioavailability (30-45%). Baicalein has relatively high bioavailability due to favorable lipophilicity and minimal efflux by P-glycoprotein. Oroxylin A undergoes glucuronidation, but the glucuronide is bioactive. Co-administration with [piperine](/reference/piperine/) enhances bioavailability by 1.5-2x.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with warm water; traditionally as part of Dashmool kwatha taken warm for Vata-Kapha disorders

**Standardized Extract:** Bark extract (8:1 in 65% ethanol), standardized to NLT 5% total [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) (as baicalein equivalents by HPLC); NLT 1% oroxylin A; NLT 0.5% chrysin

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for churna; 36 months for standardized extract capsules; indefinite for properly fermented Arishta

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight, light-protected containers. Flavonoids are photosensitive — use amber packaging. Arishta in glass bottles.

**Marker Compounds:** Baicalein, Oroxylin A, Chrysin, Biochanin A, Tetuin, Ellagic acid, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional Dashmool kwatha)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
- Self-generated alcoholic fermentation (Arishta)
- Methanol extraction for maximum flavonoid yield
- UAE for improved extraction efficiency

### Synergistic Combinations

- Dashmool components (classical anti-inflammatory formulation)
- [Bilva](/herb/bilva/) (Vatahara and anti-diarrheal synergy)
- [Gambhari](/herb/gambhari/) (Brihat Panchamula formulation)
- [Patala](/herb/patala/) (complementary Dashmool herb)
- [Agnimantha](/herb/agnimantha/) (Brihat Panchamula — anti-inflammatory)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/shyonaka/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.